Bible Study of Mark: A Guide to the Gospel

Verses to read

• “The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

  Mark 1:1

• “For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

  Mark 10:45

Who Wrote the Book of Mark?

A man named John Mark wrote this book. He was not one of the twelve main disciples of Jesus, but he was a close friend to the leaders of the early church. He traveled with Paul and Peter to tell people about God.

Many Bible teachers believe Mark wrote down what Peter saw. Since Peter was a fisherman who lived through these events, the book feels very real. It gives small details that only an eyewitness would know, like how Jesus slept on a cushion in a boat.

Why Did Mark Write This Book?

Mark wrote his book for people who were not Jewish. These people were called Gentiles. They did not know a lot about Jewish laws, so Mark explained those things to them. He wanted to prove that Jesus was the Son of God.

Life was hard for Christians when Mark wrote this. Many were being hurt for their faith. Mark wrote to encourage them. He showed that even though Jesus suffered, he won the victory over death. This gave the readers hope.

What Makes Mark Different?

Mark is much shorter than the other three books about Jesus, which are Matthew, Luke, and John. It does not talk about Jesus being born as a baby. Instead, it starts right away with Jesus as an adult being baptized.

Mark focuses on the actions of Jesus. You will see Jesus healing sick people, calming storms, and feeding thousands of people. Mark shows us that Jesus has power over nature, sickness, and even evil spirits.

The Two Parts of Mark

The book can be split into two main parts. The first half happens in a place called Galilee. It shows Jesus as a powerful teacher and healer. Everyone is asking, 'Who is this man?'

The second half of the book changes. Jesus begins to talk about dying on a cross. He travels to Jerusalem to give his life for our sins. The story ends with Jesus rising from the dead, showing he is the King of everything.

Common questions

Is Mark the first Gospel written?

Most historians believe Mark was the first of the four Gospels to be written. Matthew and Luke likely used Mark's writing as a guide for their own books.

What is the main theme of Mark?

The main theme is that Jesus is the suffering servant. He did not come to be a rich king on earth, but to serve people and die for their sins.

Why does Mark use the word 'immediately' so much?

Mark uses this word to show that Jesus was on a mission. It creates a sense of hurry and importance, showing that God's work is urgent.

What does the ending of Mark tell us?

The ending tells us that Jesus rose from the grave. It shows that he has power over death and tells his followers to go and share this news with the world.